Khulna: Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed today said the country’s judiciary has embarked on a new journey after the July mass uprising, and the people will regain their lost trust in the judiciary.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chief Justice highlighted the proactive measures taken by the interim government to formulate an ordinance for the appointment of apex court judges in a short span of time. He noted the collaboration between the Supreme Court and the interim government in implementing a roadmap for judicial reform, with the Law Ministry making progress in establishing a separate secretariat for the judiciary.
The regional seminar, organized by the Supreme Court in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was held at a hotel in Khulna. The seminar, titled “Judicial Independence and Efficiency in Bangladesh,” was presided over by High Court Justice Mohammad Ali and addressed by UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller, European Union Ambassador and Head of Delegation in Bangladesh Michael Miller, and Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks, among others, as per a Supreme Court release.
The Chief Justice expressed gratitude to the interim government for initiatives aimed at improving the judiciary. He mentioned the creation of numerous judge positions across various levels as a critical step toward resolving case backlogs. Additionally, he noted the completion of initial work to establish a specialized commercial court.
Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed also revealed that two special committees are working towards the establishment of the Supreme Court Research Institute in Cox’s Bazar.
The seminar discussions at the divisional level have provided significant insights, which will contribute to the preparation of a strategic plan for the judiciary’s modernization. The Chief Justice expressed optimism that the successful implementation of this strategic plan will restore public trust in the judiciary.
UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller praised the roadmap announced by the Chief Justice as a timely step towards institutionalizing the judiciary and assured continued support for Bangladesh in this modernization effort.
The seminar was attended by a significant number of judicial officials from Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat, along with district lawyers.